HIBS have signed 20-year-old right-back George Francomb on loan from Norwich until June.

The defender goes straight into contention for Saturday's crucial SPL clash with bottom club Dunfermline.

Francomb told Hibernian's official website: "I'm really pleased to be joining Hibs on loan - it is a big club with tremendous potential.

"I played with (Hibs defender) David Stephens at Norwich and he's told me all about the club's fanbase and you can't help but be impressed by the training ground.

"My immediate aim is to get a regular run of games under my belt and help the team to climb up the table. I'm hungry for success and I want to achieve that here with Hibs."

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon added: "George's arrival strengthens what we already have within the squad. He is a natural right-back and that gives us an extra option.

"He is young, but he has already gained experience while out on loan with Barnet in League Two last season, so he will equipped for the challenge ahead."

There was bad news for Hibs elsewhere as they suffered defeat in their bid to avoid a one-match ban for Leigh Griffiths.

Hibs rejected the offer of a one-match ban after Griffiths was cited for making an offensive gesture during his team's Scottish Cup win over Cowdenbeath, but a tribunal convened by the SFA upheld the punishment.

The gesture was directed towards Hibs fans after the striker levelled the scores at 1-1 and was similar to the one aimed at Rangers fans during Hibernian's 2-0 home defeat last month, which saw Hibs accept a one-match ban.

Fenlon today offered a straightforward explanation for the club's decision to appeal.

"The reason for the appeal was to try to have him available for the next game," he said.

"We had a conversation after the Rangers game and it didn't register too quickly for him."

Griffiths will miss the fifth round of the cup against Kilmarnock or Dundee but is free to face Dunfermline.

Graham Stack, Garry O'Connor and Isaiah Osbourne are also available after injury with Ian Murray the only anticipated absentee.